Percentage means per hundred

·        So, a percentage is really just a fraction – something out of a hundred.

·        To get the percentage change, divide the difference between the two numbers by the starting number.

Percentage increase

·        Divide the change by the number you started with. An increase from 50 to 75 works like this:

·        25/50 = .50 = 50% increase

Percentage decrease

·        We do this the same way, but we call it a decrease. A decrease from 75 to 50 works like this:

·        25/75 = .33 = 33% decrease

Helpful web sites

·        NilesOnline < http://www.nilesonline.com/stats/ >
This site clearly explains how to compute the mean, median, percentages, etc. Easy-to-understand information about statistics.

·        Mega-converter < http://www.megaconverter.com/cv_start2.htm >
This site provides multiple conversions (weight, distance, volume, etc.) Also provides a calculator

·        Jumpin’ Jehosaphat the Counting Sheep < http://www.dodds1.com/Java/Jj.html >
If your calculator isn’t handy, ewe can still do it with the help of a friendly sheep. Not for if you’re in a hurry.

Drawn from Web site of No Train, No Gain: Training for Newspaper Journalists –  http://www.notrain-nogain.org/Train/Res/Num/numbers.asp